Wingate suffer Leiston loss

Play-off hopefuls Leiston defeated Wingate and Finchley 2-0 thanks to two identical first-half goals from their centre-backs. Ryman League Premier Division: Leiston 2 Wingate & Finchley 0 Saturday, 23 November, 2014 TABLE FIXTURES & RESULTS The home side dominated the first half, but in an even second period Wingate could not force a way back into […]

The home side dominated the first half, but in an even second period Wingate could not force a way back into the game – the heavy weekend rain had made the pitch heavy, and this appeared to give Leiston the upper hand.

Both sides started brightly, and were each disappointed not to score early on. Leiston’s chance was created by an incredible whipped cross from the left wing, but Tom Winter poked the effort over from close range.

Wingate’s early opening was provided by a Richard Graham cross from a short corner, and Marc Weatherstone headed low from 6 yards but keeper Danny Gay reacted well to parry the ball away.

The game was even, but the defining moment came in the 17th minute when Joe Jefford headed home the opening goal at the near post from a corner. Eight minutes before the break, Leiston doubled the lead in similar circumstances, as Adam Tann headed in a near-post corner.

Gareth Heath was then sent clear a few minutes later but clipped his shot wide. Leiston then hit the bar with another header as they completely dominated the end of the first half.

Wingate enjoyed pressure down the right wing early in the second half, mainly through Tommy Tejan-Sie. One cross found Ahmet Rifat, who had moved upfront in a tactical shuffle, and he backheeled the ball towards the bottom corner but Gay was alert again.

Winter had a glorious chance for Leiston, receiving the ball at his feet in the box. He cut back onto his right foot and fired from close range, but Bobby Smith anticipated to dive low and block the shot.

Ahmet Rifat had the best chance to put Wingate back in the game. He attempted an inventive first time lob from the edge of the area, but the floating effort which had the keeper stranded went narrowly wide of the left post.

This was as close as the visitors came to scoring, as Leiston saw out the win; the home side did have time to go close with two drives across goal, but to no avail.